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Year 4 - Science

How scientists communicate with the public (non-statutory)

Living things and the environment

Unit Summary

This unit focuses on grouping living things and using classification keys to identify and name them in various environments. It explores how environmental changes can pose dangers to organisms. Emphasis is on asking questions, collecting data, and using evidence to support conclusions.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe different ways in which scientists communicate with the public using the media.

Key Notes

  • Scientists communicate via TV news programmes, newspapers and social media.
  • Scientists use simple language, photos, tables, drawings and charts to help the public to understand their results.
  • The results of scientists' tests can be used to help the public to lead healthier, safer lives.
  • Scientists appeared on TV every day to help the public to understand how to keep safe during the COVID–19 pandemic.
  • Science experts and communicators help the public to understand the world by writing books and presenting TV programmes.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • media: The media gives the public news and information. Different types of media include television, radio, newspapers, magazines and the internet.
  • result: The result of a test or enquiry is what happened or what was found out.
  • table: A table is a grid in which information can be recorded and stored.
  • chart: A chart is a drawing that shows information.
  • communicate: To communicate is to share or exchange information or ideas.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Scientists do not communicate directly with the public.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

Scientists communicate via TV news programmes, newspapers and social media. Scientists use simple language, photos, tables, drawings and charts to help the public to understand their results.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'media'

The media gives the public news and information. Different types of media include television, radio, newspapers, magazines and the internet. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: Scientists do not communicate directly with the public. Correction: Explanation of the different ways in which scientists can communicate with the public.

More Lessons In This Unit

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